By Edgar Rivas, Jr.—
He was named Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week 7 times, NJCU Male Athlete of the Week (01/30/2012), Skyline Conference Honor Roll (02/16/2012), and First-team All-Skyline Conference. Besmir Arslani, 19, Health Sciences, from Wayne couldn’t have a better rookie season.
“It wasn’t as surprising as I thought it would be but it was definitely a good individual award that I [received],” said Arslani.
Kenny Lisk, 21, Chemistry and Secondary Education, from Old Bridge had a feeling Arslani was going to earn the honor.
“He was winning Rookie of the Week pretty much every week of the season. So it was a no-brainer,” said Lisk. “I’m happy for him.”
The 6-2, 165 lb. “Bez” was named 2012 Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year.
The NJCU Men’s Volleyball team ended their season with a 14-17 record and lost in the 1st Round of the Skyline Conference Tournament to eventual runner-up Ramapo 19-25, 25-19, 25-21, 10-25, 11-15.
“I was really hoping that we could pull off the upset,” said head coach Kevin Rodgers. “We’ve prepared all week for them and we did a lot of work.”
“It was a very hard-fought 5-game match. It could have gone either way,” said Lisk. “Obviously it would have been good if we pulled out the victory, but it was a good way to go out this season.”
Despite the disappointing end, this season has been a success for Arslani. His stats are impressive:
Sets played: 108
Kills per set: 4.00
Assists per set: 0.15
Service aces per set: 0.44
Digs per set: 2.05
Blocks per set: 0.51
Points per set: 4.72
“He did really well,” said Rodgers. “It just shows how good of a player he can be and he’s only a freshman. He one of our most outstanding student/athletes.”
Bez gives credit to his teammates.
“My main goal [this season] was to do what “Bez” knows how to do and play with the team,” said Arslani. “If I would have done what “Bez” knows how to do and play without my team, I would have never been [Skyline Conference] Rookie of the Year.”
Now that his rookie season has come to an amazing end, next season is something to look out for as he will play his second season with the Gothic Knights. What will he give for an encore?
“He has a great future ahead of him,” said Lisk.
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